The federal government said it has begun moves for the country to tap from the global hydrogen economy which is projected to grow exponentially to over $200 billion by 2030.
Speaking at the inaugural conference on the hydrogen economy held in Abuja on Tuesday, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo noted that hydrogen produced using renewable energy and gas resources presents a unique opportunity to bridge Nigeria’s energy demand.
According to him, the case for hydrogen in Nigeria is clear, as the nation is blessed with rich renewable resources, from vast solar potential in the northern regions to the wind corridors along the southern coast.
“Our natural gas reserves of 206 trillion cubic feet position us perfectly for blue hydrogen production. Our significant solar potential, with about 2,000 hours of sunshine annually, provides an ideal foundation for green hydrogen.
“By harnessing these resources to produce green hydrogen, Nigeria can play a significant role in reducing emissions and supporting the decarbonization of sectors such as transport, power generation, and heavy industry.
“The use of hydrogen also provides a viable path for transforming our oil and gas infrastructure, allowing us to turn challenges into opportunities while ensuring our energy sector remains vibrant and globally competitive,” he said.
The minister noted that Nigeria’s strategic location offers excellent access to European and African markets, noting that the existing gas infrastructure can be adapted for hydrogen transportation. For him, positioning the country to become a key player in the global hydrogen economy is not just an ambition but a strategic imperative that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the government’s commitment to sustainable development. (Channels)